Expert: ruth kraft - 1/30/2010

Question
Hi Ruth,

I've been breastfeeding my son for almost 14 months. I worry if I still have enough breastmilk for him. We're feeding on demand, I think we average 4-6 feeds a day. The longest feed being the first morning feed - that's when I feel most confident because my breasts are full. The rest of the day, feeds can last between 2- 20 mins depending on his demand. Breasts are soft most times so I'm not sure how much he's taking.

Although he's well onto solids now, breastmilk is his only source of milk - he vehemently rejects whole milk and formula. So, I'm kinda worried about his calcium intake. And am not sure if breastmilk alone is enough. He's on the 50th percentile for weight and 90th for height.

What should I do? Please advise... thanks!

Answer
He is getting enough :) He is just very efficient. Your breastmilk is much better than whole milk by far. So don't worry about it. Your breasts may feel completely empty but I promise that he can ger more than you realize. it is likely that he is having the biggest meal of the day so you feel a little fuller in the am, but throughout the day, he can nurse and pull milk from you more effiently than you can imagine :)

After this long, I can guarantee that if you continue to nurse him as he wants, he will get all he needs and make up for the rest in solids :)

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